ISIS Claims Responsibility For Blowing Up Catholic Cathedral

The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Catholic Church in the Philippines Sunday, according to a monitor of ISIS’ Amaq information network.

At least 20 people lost their lives in the bombings at the church, and at least 81 people have been injured including soldiers for Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, who has vowed vengeance on the terrorists. The Cathedral on Jolo Island was terrorized with two bombs. The heavily-Muslim region is seeking autonomy from Duterte, holding a recent referendum vote to support branching off from the country.

A Philippines government official identified a suspect: Hatib Sawadjaan, a commander in ISIS’ Philippines branch, which is known as Abu Sayyaf.